What Hamilton Teaches Us About 2020
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What Hamilton Teaches Us About 2020

After listening to the entirety of the Hamilton soundtrack – in preparation for the musical's Disney + debut on July 3rd – I recognize the parallels between the musical and the current events.

16
What Hamilton Teaches Us About 2020
Photo by Sudan Ouyang on Unsplash

When Lin Manuel Miranda first brought to life the story of founding father, Alexander Hamilton, in 2015, critics raved. Miranda's authentic depiction of Hamilton's life in Hamilton has changed the way that people view and teach history. Ever since the premiere, the Richard Rodgers Theatre has been nearly sold-out every performance – with crowds paying over a thousand dollars per seat at times. Through all of Hamilton's success and notoriety, the musical provides a lesson that translates to the current political-social climate.

Before 2015, Alexander Hamilton was simply a historical figure who people overlook. In history textbooks, Hamilton's story was only one-page long if lucky. The United States would not be the country it was without Hamilton's contributions; however, it took Lin Manuel Miranda's musical vision to tell the impressive and remarkable story of Alexander Hamilton. The amount of people in history that people overlook is exorbitant. Despite shaping history, it is common to forget these notable names.

The lesson which has been abundantly conveyed in 2020 and called attention to through Hamilton is simple – to move forward together, we must acknowledge these names. Names of historical figures who shaped history hundreds of years ago but were neglected during their time. While also recognizing the people who are making history today. The actions and words of people are commonly ignored but deserve a voice and place in history. There are the names of people who were put in unfortunate circumstances who's legacy will remain at the forefront of the 2020 civil rights movement – Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, among others. These are people who have initiated an era of accountability and justice. The people who have provoked a movement and influx of protests and reform – both peaceful and hostile. 2020 will be in the history books of the next generation, and will hopefully last longer than a single page.

A different lesson can also be seen through Lin Manuel Miranda's narrative of Alexander Hamilton. Before Miranda created the musical, Hamilton, most Americans could not differentiate Hamilton from the other founding fathers. Through this musical, both the good and the bad about a figure in America's history are uncovered. Instead of changing history, Hamilton helps people to notice both sides of history and decide for themself. It shows the fans that sometimes the good outweighs the bad. Sometimes history was on the wrong side – especially during the founding and building of America. It is not acceptable to diminish wrongdoing because of a person's achievements. However, it is also not acceptable to limit a person's accomplishments because of their wrongdoing. Alexander Hamilton was not a perfect man – he was a leader who had old-fashioned ideas, but also helped the United States to grow when the country needed it the most.

In the musical, historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are known for their ability to create a strong foundation for the United States to build upon. Instead of hyper-focusing on the bad and stripping these historical figures – among others – of their achievements during their times, we need to take a step back. Recognize that the past is something we should not forget, but we are currently a different country with different people and beliefs. Taking down monuments and deleting the evils which existed in the past is not vital to moving forward. Hamilton teaches its viewers to educate themselves and learn from both sides of history. Understanding the political and social climate of our ancestors is an important part of growing together, as opposed to growing apart.

The events which have transpired these past few weeks are hideous acts of injustice and discrimination which have existed in America since its foundation. There is a problem with the "system." We need to look at and rebuild this system to be stronger and nonpartisan. Even though Hamilton is more than a musical, it teaches the viewer so much more about finding strength and building upon history instead of deleting it. Despite being only halfway through, 2020 is a year that invokes change, knowledge, and difficult but necessary conversations.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58162
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37467
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959105
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192872
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments